"How about now?"
Finally, someone had told Seff what was actually going on.
And in that moment, Seff instantly understood why everyone had been acting so strangely around him.
Of course, how could he have possibly realized that he'd been unconsciously radiating a powerful aura so intense it was physically suffocating people? No one had said anything. How was he supposed to know?
Seriously, couldn't people just say things directly? If you don't speak up, how am I supposed to know you're suffering?
If Yui hadn't been pushed to the point of physical agony by Seff's spiritual pressure, he probably wouldn't have said anything either.
Seff genuinely wasn't sure how to suppress that kind of overwhelming aura, it wasn't as simple as just adjusting output or reducing force. All he could do was try.
But apparently, the attempt worked.
The boy who had nearly collapsed a moment ago was finally able to stand. He wiped the sweat from his brow, took a deep breath, and answered Seff's question.
"It's a lot better now. Feels… about the same as before."
Same as before, meaning before Seff had gone to Zaraki. Which meant Seff still couldn't fully suppress his power.
But at least now he was aware of the problem. And awareness mattered more than anything.
The hardest part of fixing a problem wasn't the solution, it was realizing it existed.
"Good. As long as it's working."
Seff exhaled in relief.
He had no intention of oppressing normal and harmless people. Anyone who truly sought strength should challenge those stronger than them, not use power to crush those below.
Still, he couldn't help but reflect: maybe there really was a fundamental difference between spirits chosen to become Shinigami and ordinary souls. After just a bit of training, his spiritual pressure alone was enough to incapacitate normal people.
Maybe that's why Shinigami all lived together, not just to centralize military power, but to avoid accidentally harming civilians.
"I'll figure out a better way to suppress it later," Seff said. "For now, this is the best I can do."
He stepped aside, giving Yui space to enter the room.
Yui hesitated, eyeing Seff with obvious caution, half-expecting this newfound control to slip at any moment.
If Seff lost control again, standing too close could literally kill him.
But thankfully, nothing happened.
Just like before the trip to Zaraki, once the two were seated in their usual spots, Yui finally let out a sigh of relief.
"Seff-nii, you've gotten really strong," Yui said with a bit of awe. "I don't think there's anyone left who can beat you."
Even though Yui had known from the start that Seff was powerful, seeing how much he'd grown still surprised him.
"So," Yui asked, "how'd it go in Zaraki? Did you get anything out of the trip?"
"Did I get anything?" Seff chuckled. "I got more than I could've hoped for."
He poured Yui a glass of water, there wasn't much else he could offer just yet, not so soon after returning.
"But I wouldn't recommend going there yourself. You might not make it back."
"…Seff-nii, you really think too highly of me."
Yui gave a helpless smile.
"Even if I wanted to go, I probably wouldn't survive long enough to get near it."
"That's what I like about you, you've got self-awareness. Kid, I have high hopes for you."
Yui didn't touch the water, but Seff drank deeply from his own cup.
The whole journey back, he'd been stressed trying to figure out why everyone was avoiding him. Nearly burned a hole in his soul over it. He'd come this close to becoming a panicked kitsune.
"But even with everything I've gained, I've still only just started," Seff said. "Sure, I might be strong here in Rukongai, but once I'm in the Seireitei, there'll be Shinigami who make me look like a child."
He stopped, then realized: it was almost time to leave.
Originally, he'd stayed in the 45th District mainly to fight Hollows. A smaller reason had been to look out for Yui's family. But now, the Hollows were no longer a threat to him, and Yui's family had already stabilized.
Zaraki had been an unexpected bonus, but that was the limit. Staying any longer would be pointless.
Rukongai was a small pond. You couldn't raise whales in a puddle. If he wanted to swim with giants, he'd have to dive into the vast ocean.
He began to consider: should he tell Yui now that he was leaving? Or wait until the day he departed?
Even though Yui was far younger, he was Seff's first, no, only, friend in Soul Society so far.
It wasn't that Seff was antisocial. He just wasn't looking to make friends. He'd been passive about social connections, and only Yui had consistently reached out to him.
Just like now, Seff had barely returned, and Yui had already shown up.
But before Seff could say anything, Yui beat him to it.
"U-um… Seff-nii, there's something I've been meaning to tell you."
Yui looked nervous, enough that Seff sat up straighter and took on a more serious expression.
"What is it? Something happen? Do you need help?"
"Huh?" Yui blinked, surprised by Seff's sudden concern. He quickly waved his hands.
"No, no! It's not that. It's just… I'm glad you're back. If you hadn't returned, I might've missed my chance to say this."
He took a breath. The hesitation left his voice.
"Ever since that incident… I've been thinking. I don't want what happened to me to happen to anyone else. I want to be strong, like you. I want to be someone who can help others, someone who can make a difference."
Yui locked eyes with Seff, no more hesitation.
"Seff-nii… I want to become a Shinigami!"
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200 P.S = 1 Extra Chapters
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🚨 TL/N 💥
Hello guys Fanfic recommendation!
Check out my other work:
💥> Naruto: Mind Control (Highly Recommended)
💥> Naruto: Weapon Legacy
If you like smart and strong MC, this fanfic is for you.
It's Peak.
Give it a chance and you won't be disappointed